Pat Neshek

What. An. Offseason. The Phillies ended 2018 with an 80-82 record - their most wins since 2012, but still a disappointment given how hard they slumped in September. Even with that improved outlook, they had several concerns- Rhys Hoskins was an unmitigated disaster in left field. Despite solid power and defense, Jorge Alfaro approach at … Continue reading 2019 Phillies Preview

It's opening day! The time for untethered optimism. The roster is set - and with the majority of the roster un-previewed, let's do a quick run-down of everyone who made it. Phans, this is your team! Infield J.P. Crawford - Shortstop of the future, and the future is now. His plate discipline is as good … Continue reading Phillies 2018 Preview: Opening Day Roster

With all the Judge-mania (there has to be a better name for it than that), Giancarlo Stanton's own offensive exploits have been a bit overshadowed, but as of this post he's tied with Judge for the league lead with a 32 home runs. His strong year has - predictably - resulted in some interesting (albeit … Continue reading Week 16 Recap: Giancarlo Stanton in Philly?

The 2017 season began promisingly enough - 11 wins in their first 20 games was the team's best start since 2011. Amid the growing optimism, I still believed the Phillies would end up with a win total in the 70's, but it looked like they could finish closer to 80 wins than 70. The team … Continue reading Week 11 Recap: First Overall Pick, Here We Come

This offseason, as I looked at the lineup, there were several players more deserving of optimism than others. Among the recipients of my heightened expectations was Tommy Joseph, catching prospect turned major league first baseman. I wrote that he could "easily crest 30 home runs", based on his 21 homers in only 347 PA (which … Continue reading Week 7 Recap: Tommy Joseph Strikes Back

This time last week, the Phillies were 4-8 and it felt like we were potentially looking at a long season. Not technically any longer than a winning season, mind you. Just the kind of losing season that drags on longer than anyone wants, hanging around like the last party guest who would rather show you … Continue reading Week 3 Recap: .500! .500!

Before we continue with the 2017 preview series, let's take a moment to reflect. In 1903, the very first World Series was played. There were 16 teams in existence at that point. By 1980, 15 of those 16 teams had won a World Series. The exception? The Philadelphia Phillies. The infamous Cubs drought was a … Continue reading Phillies 2017 Preview: Relief Pitchers